FCC OKs Computer Train Control System

WASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission today approved development of a nationwide computerized train control system, saying the technology could have prevented last year's Amtrak-Conrail collision that killed 16 people near Chase, Md.

Acting on a request from the Assn. of American Railroads, the agency, in a unanimous vote, set aside six channels of radio spectrum for the Advanced Train Control System, designed to monitor trains nationwide and able to take control of their throttles and brakes in emergencies.